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Ivy & Truman Automotive
Categories: Automotive Auto Repair Automotive Smog Check Stations Automotive Tires Auto Repair, Smog Check Stations, Tires [Edit]
1062 E El Camino RealSte C & D
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
(408) 557-9975
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 8 am - 6 pm
Sun 9 am - 5 pm
$175 for $250 Certificate
Jason K. said: "These guys will do the job right! They even pointed out prior work I had done at another auto body shop was bad work. I trust they are honest guys…" read more »
45 reviews for Ivy & Truman Automotive
45 reviews in English
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Review from Kristen S.
San Jose, CA
11/25/2011
I couldn't have been more pleased with the service I received at Ivy & Truman. I had been looking for a good, honest mechanic in the Sunnyvale area for some time. After reading the Yelp reviews -- and after my dealership gave me and estimate of about $500 for a service -- I decided to try Ivy & Truman.
Without an appointment I dropped by in the morning to get an estimate for a drive belt and tensioner replacement. After a 10 minute assessment, the mechanic said he didn't think I needed a tensioner replacement, and suggested the drive belt replacement only. Music to my ears! They were able to turn my car around in 45 minutes and charged me only $75, including labor.
At the time of payment I spoke briefly with Quang, the owner, who is courteous, friendly and efficient! He wanted to show me what my old drive belt looked like, and even took the time to explain the science of it all, without making me feel dumb. For a gal who is not exactly in the know with car stuff, I appreciated his explanation.
Awesome, speedy service with super competitive rates and fantastic customer service.Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 11/30/2011
Dear Kristen, Thank you for giving us the opportunity to… More » -
Review from Gary T.
Sunnyvale, CA
8/23/2011
I went to this place last week after coming upon a coupon and doing some research on yelp. Gave this place a shot to fix my Civic's busted fan system. After an inspection, it turned out I needed a lot or repair/maintenance work done (my bad for not keeping track of it myself). I was quoted quite a bit but it had to be done.
However, after it was done and I went to pick it up, the chief mechanic, Quang actually charged me less than the original quote, knocking down the cost on some of the work items by at least a third! This was great for me as I was trying to minize my costs. Overall good service, friendly, and accomidating. This place is definitely worth returning to.Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 8/24/2011
Hi Gary, It was great to get to know you and service your… More » -
Review from Jay J.
Santa Clara, CA
2/8/2012
Jan 12th 2012: Needed brakes done and dealer of course was trying to rip me off....Being that I live in a condominium, I can't do any automotive work there and couldn't change my own breaks on the property. I looked online and through a quick search found Ivy & Truman. I went there with my own brake pads and parts and told Quang (owner and chief mechanic) I needed my brake pads replaced. He said that the brake pads I had really weren't that good and that it would be a good idea to use the Toyota brake pads that were originally used (original equipment). The pads he got were right around the same price as the ones I bought at AutoZone. In the end with labor and parts he quoted / charged a good and reasonable price. Very fast service and friendly as well. I was in and out in less than an hour.
Feb 7 2012: I to have my smog check done. Just for comparison sake, I called another place and asked how much they would charge and NOT surprisingly the guy threw an outrageously high price at me. As per my plan, I called Quang to set up an appointment and asked how much he would charge and NOT surprisingly (based on previous good service) he quoted me a price a lot less than the other guy quoted me. I drove over and Quang said it would take 20 mines. I was in and out in less than 15 mins. This was my second time there and both times my car was finished in a very short period of time. Now I'm not sure if Quang is trying to set some kind of record for fastest mechanic in the world, but he is fast. When I would go to the dealer in the past I would spend on average 4 hours there. It's very rare that one can find a decent mechanic and even after just two times I'm pretty sure I found one. He has a good business model- fast, friendly, and honest. The last time I was in there, I talked with Quang for a couple minutes and I really got the impression that providing good service to his customers is his priority.
PS. When I took my car in for the brake pad replacement he informed me at the end that my rear break light was out which I was already aware of. I told him that I would do it myself. Without my knowing it he took it upon himself and changed it at no additional cost to his original quote for the brake job. I'm not a big Yelp person, but after having a good experience at Ivy & Truman I thought it a good idea to let others know and give credit where credit is due.
-Thanks Quang -
Review from Elizabeth M.
Fremont, CA
12/24/2011
Beware! His diagnosis of my car's problems were inaccurate.
I am glad I got a second opinion. He told me that I needed my transmission hose replaced, rear brakes, & 2 other issues that will cost me $400.
I ended up with Hank Auto Repair whose diagnosis was head -on, didn't need transmission hoses replaced but the issue was a loose thread on the valve, much lesser expense than what was originally being charged.
Be smart, get a second opinion! -
Review from Lee L.
Palo Alto, CA
7/15/2011
Thanks to the delays in mailing out registration renewal forms, I discovered that I only had a few weeks to get my car smogged before paying for my registration. By chance, I received a Val-Pak envelope with a coupon for Ivy and Truman, with Quang's smiling face on the coupon. So I decided to give them a call. They were able to accommodate me right away, and got the job done quickly. They were very friendly and pleasant to deal with.
I can't give them 5 stars, because that would seem like grade inflation based on a single smog test. But they are conveniently located to my home, so I might starting bringing my car in for service.Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 7/16/2011
Dear Lee, We appreciated your business and your time.… More » -
Review from Vonny K.
Santa Clara, CA
11/5/2011
Being female has some disadvantages, so Im often leery about service from auto mechanics. Quang is super friendly and really wants to help you. We stopped by unannounced today and he inspected our broken car stereo - looking at the stereo itself, behind the stereo and the fuses... and he said "the best thing you can do is to switch it out." No charge for this.
We followed him from Valero Garage/gas station in Sunnyvale to here...his own lucrative business. He is as friendly as his mug shot on yelp - smiley. He can be trusted ladies!Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 11/8/2011
Hello Vonny, Your business and your nice worlds are… More » -
Review from Martin G.
Cupertino, CA
6/7/2011
I can't say enough good things about this place. I tried it for the first time based on recommendations from co-workers, when my Dodge Caravan needed some work done.
- very professional. Called to make an appointment to drop off my van after work, then when I could not make the appointment, they called me to reschedule the appointment! That is a first in my experience as auto repair shops in CA go.
- honest and clear description of work that needs to be done. The staff here do not talk down to you if you know nothing about cars. They seem genuinely interested in helping you understand what needs to be done.
- fair price. The work that was quoted to me was about half of what I was used to being quoted at another shop which has since closed down (no wonder). If I was used to being charged $1500 - $2000 for this kind of work, Ivy and Truman charged me $700. Awesome.
- Personalized service at pick-up time. Even though I picked up after work, close to 6:00 pm, the mechanic who performed the work on my car took the time to explain in layman's terms what work was done, and actually showed me the parts that needed to be replaced, and what was wrong with them that caused them to decide to replace that part. This effort to explain the "why" to me was very much appreciated, especially as I have been used to just being told that a part needs to be replaced and not understanding why because I know nothing about cars.
- The only drawback, a minor one, is that the work took more than a day to complete. But I understood and was willing to forgive because they are a smaller shop with few mechanics. Really, the good points outweigh this one minor area of opportunity.
Overall, I was very happy with the service and the work performed, and I will be taking my cars back to this shop for service from now on.Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 12/2/2011
Hi Martin, Thank you so much for your business and your… More » -
Review from Jane D.
Bay Area
10/1/2011
Awesome! Came in a little after 11:00AM on a Friday. It took less than 25 minutes to get my oil changed. Sweet!
I liked and found it funny how they kept saying "Relax~~~". I usually only hear that at spas. Perhaps Ivy & Truman are out to pamper you. :)
Definitely coming back for their quick and friendly customer service! -
Review from Yohei T.
Sunnyvale, CA
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Always a pleasant experience here at Ivy & Truman Automotive. The owner does very well in explaining the issue and the price is very reasonable.
Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 11/8/2011
Dear Yohei, Thank you for your kind words. We appreciated… More » -
Review from Edgar N.
4/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
You know, it's never easy to find an honest mechanic. When dealing with getting your car worked on, a sense of trust is key. Quang and his crew at Ivy and Truman are the epitome of what makes a good mechanic great.
I recently took in my wreck of a 2000 Passat to I&T for a diagnostic, to see about smog failure problems. He and his staff instantly made me feel at ease by doing a thorough inspection of the car and telling me what the problems could be. For whatever reason, my car wasn't communicating w/their system so he offered to hang onto the car for another day and see why that was, while still only charging me the fee for the diagnostic.
They care about doing the job right and helping their customers. When he called me with his estimate and I suffered from a bit of sticker shock, he did everything he could to help lower that price, including calling all over town to find aftermarket parts and narrowing the work down to the minimum needed to get it to pass smog. Hell, they even gave me a ride home so I didn't have to hang out at the shop all day. Now THAT is service.
Turns out the catalytic converter went bad and, thanks to California's emission laws, specific CA-legal converters were needed, which cost an arm and a leg. So, I passed on the repairs for now, but I will DEFINITELY come back to Ivy & Truman once I have the dough to get the work done. Even AFTER I said I couldn't do the work, one of his mechanics agreed to stay a bit late while I rushed from the office to pick up my car.
If you need a mechanic you can trust, Quang and his staff at Ivy & Truman should be your first choice. -
Review from Chuck P.
Diamond Bar, CA
10/2/2011
I picked this place because of it's reviews and that it's open on Sunday. I went in for an oil change and asked them to do an inspection of everything while they were at it. He told me it was a little busy that day and that it would take 3-4 hours before I could pick up the car. I live nearby so it wasn't an issue.
The mechanic, I think his name is Dai, was nice and called me after a couple of hours and said that there were no issues except the engine needed to be cleaned and he recommended it for the longevity of the car. Once the car was ready, he showed me what he did under the hood and he replaced the caps and hose on the oil for free. All together it came out to a little over $80. I would come back again.Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 11/8/2011
Hello Chuck, Thank you for taking time to write review for… More » -
Review from Mike R.
Santa Clara, CA
4/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I needed to get a last minute smog check, and I saw a mailing coupon for this shop, so I looked it up on yelp. Hmmmm, lots of good reviews, so I made a call in the morning... Could I get in today? My bad, I lost track of the DMV notice and had to get the smog check stat.
As a side note, I usually do my smog checks at AAA but they are always jammed and need appointments so I didn't even try. I was a bit nervous about finding someone last minute, so it was a relief that I could get in right away .
I was late, but no problem- the owner greeted me pleasantly and took my car right in. He said it would take 15 minutes to do the smog check- he got it done it 10. He also cleaned off the dust and mess of leaves under the hood and engine, and noticed that the washer fluid was low so he refilled it- no charge.
First impression is excellent! I'm going to bring my other car back for other estimates and repairs and I'll update my review then. But I must say, it's a great relief to find an honest and cheerful and efficient mechanic. -
Review from Maja S.
Santa Clara, CA
7/15/2011
I cannot recommend going here at all. Maybe it really is a girl thing, I don't know. But I went here because the AC in my 95 Honda Civic no longer works. I figured it would be the compressor, but wanted to be sure as some people told me I may just need it cleaned and new freeon. So I tell him all this, he said no problem, he will run a test and can let me know how to fix it. Sure enough he runs his test only to tell me that he has good news and it is not my compressor - just needs new/more freeon.
Once he charged me 125 bucks to add new freeon and clean the whole system, he then tells me he has bad news and it is the compressor.
Are you kidding me? You ran a test and didn't know that before? You had to charge me?
In the meantime he keeps talking about how much he appreciates business and is so honest because he wants people to come back. And that he will reimburse people if he is the one who messed up. Not with one word did he say that he could change my compressor and would count the 125 bucks he charged me towards the compressor swap.
Nevermind also the fact that my one headlight sometimes works, and sometimes it does not. I asked him if he could tell me why and if he could fix it/how to fix it and he said 'it's fine' and I need not worry. What kind of response is that from a mechanic?
And the worst is that he swapped supposedly only the cap of my antifreeze, but now my antifreeze is leaking and I can't figure out where it's leaking from. So now I get to go back to a another mechanic! -
Review from Fredd A.
Mountain View, CA
Updated - 5/1/2011
It was time for an oil change again. Just got lucky I was early on a Saturday because people were starting to come in for service.. checkup, oil change, smog check, etc. It wasn't as fast as those advertising 10 minute oil changes because they make quick inspections of the vehicles.
Smog check up next in a couple of weeks and this is where I'm taking my ride. Keep up the good work Quang!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/20/2010
It was my first experience with this place and it was awesome! Definitely go here for your auto… Read more »
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Review from Reuben D.
Santa Clara, CA
2/16/2011
Honest mechanic alert!
Drove my car in the other day for an oil change, he found a missing bolt that led to my transmission fluid being completely empty. He told me of the problem and fixed it promptly. Car runs perfectly now with no more bumps during transmission shifts. Plus there's a great pho place next door where you can get cheap delicious pho while you wait for your car to be serviced! I'm recommending everyone I know here.Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 3/17/2011
Thank you for your nice words. We appreciate you business.… More » -
Review from noe sol t.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/15/2011
Rolled up to this place yesterday with a small handful of hard earned dollars and a very tight budget without knowing if I could ever afford a brake job, oil change, safety inspection and timing belt change all at the same time. I knew that this place is good and my girlfriend recommended this shop to me. What I didn't expect is that this shop will actually listen to your needs and work with what you have.
Quang, the manager/mechanic, is a very honest and professional mechanic. He will take the time to sit down with you and listens then explain the problems and solutions to fix your car. He listened to my needs and my budget. Then, he gave me a good package so I could get my car running and have a peace of mind while I drive/move to Colorado.
If you are looking for a one stop shop/mechanic and terrified that you will get rip off then look no further. Check out this shop and you'll see what I'm talking about. Excellent customer service and they have the drive to satisfy your needs. I highly recommend this shop to my friends and familComment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 9/29/2011
Hello Noe, We are glad that you happy with our service. We… More » -
Review from buggy b.
San Francisco, CA
9/4/2010
To complete my registration, I wanted to find a place nearby to get my smog check. Found tons of places through Yelp and the Valpak coupons, and since the reviews here seem decent, i thought I'd give it a try.
The place is situated on El Camino near the House of Pho restaurant. I was in and out within 20 minutes on a Saturday afternoon. Quang, as others have mentioned, is extremely friendly and easy to talk to. It's a very low-key place with a handful of mechanics working ... he used to work at dealerships and decided to venture out and start his own business so I'm sure he knows what he's doing and likely won't rip off his customers ... too much. Glad to know he does other things - and hopefully I'll go here for other car maintenance stuff.
The smog check, with a coupon, came to be around $32 ($24.95 + processing fees). Probably the cheapest I've seen yet! -
Review from charels h.
San Jose, CA
8/26/2011
Read this place on yelp. They have a yelp sticker and seems to know many yelp referrals come here. Oil change for $30 total. Took about 30-40 minutes during lunch hour. Not busy. Filled up my tire pressure. Offered Refreshments free. Pho noodle house and a couple of Starbucks nearby.
Ivy and truman are the names of the 10ish children of the owner, Will be back for next oil change.Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 8/30/2011
Dear Charels, Thank you for taking time to write review for… More » -
Review from Kaz L.
Sunnyvale, CA
Updated - 2/22/2011
Came back this past Saturday for a Smog test. Although Quang wasn't there, his personnel was exceptionally professional and proficient. I mentioned that I would be back next month for an oil change and they said that they will send me some coupons! Gotta love it!
btw... the smog check was VERY reasonably priced!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/19/2010
How refreshing! An honest mechanic!
I own a 2005 Mazda 6 in need of an oil change.
I stumbled upon… Read more »
Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 2/28/2011
Thank you so much for writing good review for our business.… More » -
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Review from Clement N.
Sunnyvale, CA
Updated - 9/18/2010
Since my last review, I have been coming here for all my oil changes and regular maintenance. Recently I have just gotten a 90K service here and would like to give everyone an update on my experience. Quang was very thorough in making sure I understand the problems he found with my car, and only made the minimal necessary repairs required.
Another thing is I could just come in anytime and drop off my car without having to make an appointment beforehand. They will always be able to squeeze it in and get your car done within the same day, usually within half an hour for an oil change.
I have finally found a shop that I can rely on. :) A very satisfied loyal customer here.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/28/2010
My car was overdue for an oil change, and since I was new to the area, I found Ivy & Truman through… Read more »
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Review from elizabeth p.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 10/3/2011
still a huge fan! finally got enough money to fix my clutch, and scheduled it. my plans changed and i needed to get it done early- and i was able to bring it in at noon friday and got it back 5 minutes after closing. awesome! got clutch, including fluid change, new alternator, oil change, and checkup/fluid topoff all for $1048!!! the alternator was only $100 more than I would have paid to just buy it and install it myself! My Forrester is as quiet and smooth at 230,000 miles as a new car! Plus, Quang brought out all the parts and showed me what he had found (rusted clutch bearing! no wonder twas so loud), even though it was 10 mins after closing. Yay for good service!
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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9/27/2011
Update- turned out my radiator had a loose hose clamp, Quang fixed it for free and 800 miles later I… Read more »
Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 9/29/2011
Hi Elizabeth, I am glad you happy with our services. We… More » -
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Review from Rain D.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/3/2009
I needed an oil change bad!
I called here and said I needed an oil change and they told me to come in anytime.
I went to there right away. It's kind of hard to see, if you're coming from Mathilda it will be on your right hand side. It's in a little complex with about 3-4 other car type places and they are the second business in.
Everyone was really friendly with me! He took my name and phone number and asked if I would like to hang out there. There were only really chairs... so I opted not to and just walked around. He offered me a bottle of water to take with me, that was really nice!
He said the oil change should take about 20 minutes. Oh I almost forgot to tell him that my car takes Mobile 1, he said no problem but it costs more that what he quoted me, I said that's fine I expected that, he said okay no problem.
I checked out the complex next to it which turned out to be pretty boring there is only really a subway and a 24 fitness. The complex next to there is like this Indian theme place. I was just looking for a spot to sit. On the other side of the street there is a starbuck, carls jr (or maybe it was a burger king don't quote me on this) and a KFC.
I went to the starbuck (by this time it's already been 10 minutes) hung out there for about 5 minutes and walked back, and boy was that good timing, because my car was done! I took note of the time I left and it was about 23 minutes.
Normally for Mobile 1, I expect to pay anywhere between 55 dollars to 75 dollars, this place was lower than 55 dollars! That was awesome.
Not only that he also did an over all check of my car and pointed out that my front breaks are a little worn out and my timing belt is also looking a little worn out too. He said that they are probably good till the next oil change but I should consider having them replace within the next couple oil changes and at the very least have them looked at. He didn't pressure me at all into having them replaced then and there which I liked a lot!
The owner is super nice, and thanked me for my business and showed me a picture of his kids while I was paying, turns out he named the shop after them. Very cute kids.
I am definitely coming back.Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 2/16/2010
Thank you for taking time to write a good review for my… More » -
Review from xotelle C.
Milpitas, CA
5/14/2010
I have been going to Ivy&Truman Automotive for years now and I have always been pleased after each visit.
I love how Quang takes his time to explain the issues with the car and is definitely accommodating with my schedule. It was a fast service but definitely reliable and trustworthy.Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 8/29/2010
Your review is definitely appreciated. More » -
Review from DIANA R.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 1/15/2010
So I guess I won't be coming back here anymore.....
Since they change to new locations the prices went up, I use to pay $22 for an oil change and this time, He charged me $35. Yeah $ 13 more!!... and when I called he said he was going to charge me the same amount as before, but when he was done he charged me more!!...
I can find a place as good as this maybe even better for less.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/28/2009
I always get my oil change here it's cheap and they are fast and friendly Ohh and I really like that… Read more »
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Review from GWWG L.
Sunnyvale, CA
9/4/2010
I came here for an oil change after seeing their coupons on ValuPak. Went on a Sat am and service was fast, professional and inexpensive.
Total cost $23. Can't beat that.
Will be back for more work if needed next time. -
Review from Y Y.
Sunnyvale, CA
5/24/2011
This place is all about the owner - A true professional and a very honest chap
He managed to somehow help me pass the SMOG test although my car was in a very bad shape when I brought her over and for 250$ managed to perform the miracle.Other auto shops were talking to me about a 1000$ repairs that are needed - but as I said - this guy is a magician!
Highly recommendedComment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 7/16/2011
Dear Y, Thank you for your business and your time to… More » -
Review from Eamonn G.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 1/14/2011
They're becoming very popular and for good reason. Service is as honest, friendly and timely as ever. Quang even fixed a leaky tyre for me today and said it was "on the house" since I'm a long standing regular customer. This is the kind of place where you can come and build a good relationship with your mechanic who knows your name when he sees you. And for all his popularity, it's still possible to come here at lunchtime without an appointment, go for something to eat, and come back to find your car is done. He'll squeeze you in some way.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/18/2009
I love these guys, I've been going to them for years. I always get my oil changed here, just drop… Read more »
Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 2/16/2010
We appreciated your business. Come back soon for the… More » -
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Review from Raza M.
Burlingame, CA
Updated - 9/7/2011
My car had been idling high for quite a while and yesterday, the engine sounded very different when idling. After the engine started smelling, I knew I had to take it to the shop right away. I headed to Ivy & Truman first thing in the morning. Ramon was helpful and made sure that he heard the same noise I did before I left for work. Quang called me about an hour later with all the recommended fixes, and I gave him the ok to do everything. The car was ready in the afternoon, and it's running great now. The noise is gone, the car doesn't idle high, and shifting is much smoother than before. Quang was very reassuring through the whole process and made me feel comfortable. I will be coming here for all future car related needs without hesitation. Thanks guys!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/24/2011
My friend recommended me to Ivy & Truman. I got my oil change and smog check done here. Quang was… Read more »
Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 2/28/2011
Hi Raza. It was nice to serviced your car. We appreciated… More » -
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Review from Ruth Anne M.
San Jose, CA
7/3/2011
Quang is an awesome mechanic! I found him back in June 2008 when he was at the Valero gas station on Mathilda. I remember exactly how I found him. It was a Friday afternoon, I just got off from work and we were going to San Diego that evening for the weekend. My husband called me to say it's time to get an oil change before we leave since it's a long drive. I decided to get it done while he's at work so everything will be ready when he gets off. So there I was driving around Sunnyvale looking for the cheapest oil change. Then I see this banner that said it was $14.95 for an oil change. So of course I went right away and requested for it. There were several cars there being serviced, but I was done in almost an hour. Shoot! Ever since then I've taken our other cars to Quang. He's a really honest guy. I went back there with my husband a month later for his car. And ever since then he's our guy. We don't trust any other mechanic, only Quang. I've read other people's reviews and glad most of you gave his shop 5 stars, but for the lady who said he treated her like she was dumb, that's not true. I'm a woman and I found him on my own. He's always been honest with us. Your car troubles were just a coincidence.
Comment from Quang N. of Ivy & Truman Automotive 7/16/2011
Dear Ruth, We appreciated your business and your time.… More » -
Review from Billy L.
San Jose, CA
3/18/2010
A bit out of my way but I wouldn't go anywhere else. Identify my problems and fix them, no bs. Got a loaner when I dropped my car off for service, not a Bentley but got me around.
If you want honest and experienced advice, gotta take your cars here. -
Review from David P.
San Jose, CA
2/15/2011
Yesterday, I was in a panic when my 2003 VW GTI overheated and then it wouldn't start. I was stranded on the side of Central Expressway in Sunnyvale. Using my Yelp APP, I found Ivy and Truman and thought I'd give it a try.
My tow service took my car in and the staff immediately assisted me. At first, I was a little uneasy because the garage is very unassuming and simple...tucked back off the street.
I was informed that the initial diagnostic would be $75 but that would be waived if any work was done on my car. I was given an estimate of 2 hours to hear back. They then asked if I needed a ride anywhere, I declined since I worked near by, but it was still nice of them to offer.
I received a phone call from Quang himself, within 90 minutes. He asked if I was a previous customer and I told him no, because I found him on Yelp.
He explained that my car had a broken water pump and with parts and labor, it would be around $400 to fix. Since I needed my car, I ok'd it, hesitantly (not knowing what this usually costs). He also stated my car would be fixed by 4:30PM the same day.
During the work day, I contacted a VW dealership and a few other mechanics, about the same work. I was quoted anywhere from $585-$1500.
I picked up my car and before I left, Quang met with me personally. The price was what he quoted and I didn't have to pay for the diagnostic. He explained he did a diagnostic and looked over my car for any other problems. He recommended my back brakes be replaced, but those weren't urgent. He said everything else was running perfectly. He also showed my the water pump taken from my car and showed me the leak.
So, overall.... really affordable service; super nice and honest guy and professional staff.
I will definitely go back. -
Review from Haluk U.
Sunnyvale, CA
7/26/2008
I have been using them ever since they stripped my oil pan plug during an oil change in another place. The manager, Quang fixed it by rethreading the plug housing for fraction of a new oil pan price.
I am really happy with this place, he informs you about the problem, alternatives and so on. He takes care of all my oil change, repair, smog check and maintanence issues.
I like them especially Quang since he is honest. I took my car to him last year since there was a significant vibration when I brake. He called me and let me know that a wood chip enter the disc and it was causing it. He cleaned and put back everything and I am using it without any problem. Most other places would like to sell me a new pad and rotor, claiming that it may have warped this and that. -
Review from Tom M.
San Jose, CA
3/25/2009
Quang is great. He's honest, he's very good at cars as are his employees, he gives you rides to work, and he's priced fairly. I don't care about the plastic chairs - he get's 5 stars from me because finding a Service Station that doesn't try to overdo it is so rare.
And I agree - please go there so he's around until retirement age ( a long time indeed).
BTW - He's worked on my Jeep and my Miata and is equally proficient at both. -
Review from p g.
Palo Alto, CA
10/21/2010
I would say, no previous appointments, no long wait time, no attitude and no stress !!! It's dream come true!!!! I am an extremely critical person, but this is the best place I have ever taken my car for an oil change or a smog check.
Owner Quang is polite, honest, hardworking and an extremely knowledgeable person.
During an oil change visit, he was able to identify trouble in my Honda Accord before the Honda dealership service staff could figure it out. Since, then he has earned my trust and business. I bring all my cars to him for an oil change or any other car related issue.
If you need oil change or smog check this is the place to be. His staff is extremely efficient and he overlooks every operation after the work is completed in your car. I would highly recommend this place. -
Review from N B.
Sunnyvale, CA
10/14/2010
Got his coupon in the mail, so I took my car to his shop for smog test. He greets everyone with smile, respect, and good manners. I liked his style and attitude so I decide to give him more wok: oil/filer change + replace the radiator.
He gave me honest and clear estimate (my German car needs special parts, oil and filter). He completed all the work in 3 hours (sooner than anticipated). The bill was exactly per the estimate.
On the negatives: they did not reset the service indicator - but then my is complicated so i do not expect every mechanic to know this detail. The parking is a little tight there (several shops share the same block).
Another observation, his shop fills up with customers early. Nearby shops were either closed or empty. |Sure this says something, right?
Like other Yelpers comments - good mechanic, enthusiast, and seems reliable. I would take my car again to his shop.
If you need your car done on time - go there EARLY at 8am. -
Review from Joe K.
San Francisco, CA
3/22/2007
So all up and down Mathilda and on El Camino you have lots of service-type stations. And since I live on a 12% grade hill in San Francisco, performing my own auto service is out of the question. So I strolled one day into this service station to have my oil changed and I've been quite happy with the service. The service manager (Quang Nguyen) worked at a Mazda dealership prior to coming here, and since I drive a Mazda, this provides some comfort to me. He seems like the kind of honest, hard-working guy that you'd want touching your car, although to this point I've just had lube jobs done. I bring my oil filter and I'm out the door for about $22 - a more than fair price, considering I've never had to wait. And when you go here, you don't get the pressure/lecture on everything that you 'need fixed' when there's nothing wrong (JIFFY LUBE, OH HOW ANNOY ME FOR THIS EVERY TIME). I'm hoping to get my 30k service done in a few months when that interval comes up.
They lose a star because there's really no "waiting area" per se, unless you count the plastic chairs on the side of the service station facing the fueling area. This isn't really an inconvience though, since this service station is on the perimeter of a plaza that has no fewer than three coffee shops, including a Starbucks - and I'd rather hang out there anyways.
So in summary: Go here. Now. Give the man some business so I can make sure he's around long enough into the future that I don't need to find another mechanic again. -
Review from Miguel V.
Sunnyvale, CA
5/3/2010
Go here for a fast,friendly& honest service..this place is highly recommended!!
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Review from Lew F.
San Jose, CA
4/5/2011
My fiancé and I have taken our vehicles there for a few years for oil changes and recently for the Smog checks. She drives a Civic, I drive a Corolla. We have been extremely fortunate to have found this place. The Mechanic that works there, I believe his name is Ramon is not only excellent Mechanic that knows his work and is great at it, but he is the most honest, polite, and professional Mechanic I have ever met. This shop is lucky to have him on their staff... Quang should add a photo of him on his page so everyone can know who I am referring to.
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Review from J S.
Sunnyvale, CA
12/12/2010
I came here for an oil change by myself, I am an asian female, I found this place from yelp and decided the oil change was a good price and had fast service. After Quang did the oil change, he told me that work needed to be done, the rack and pinion needed to be replaced, and a bunch of other stuff that he wanted to charge me for. A total of $1600, afterwards I noticed oil was leaking from my van (it wasn't before), I took it to another mechanic and he said the screw on the oil tray just needed to be tightened, nothing was wrong with it (they tightened it, no more leaks). Months later, it was time for another oil change, I decided to try this place again bc the price was 19.95 and they do it quickly. This time I had my husband drop me off next door at Hankook. Quang did the job in 30 min, and didn't say the car needed any repairs to the hubby. But days later the van is leaking oil again! I will not bring my car to this mechanic again, he intentionally makes my van leak oil so I can go back to him and he can rip me off for repairs I don't need! He is not an honest mechanic and treats women like we're dumb and can be taken advantage of. I think NOT.
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Review from K C.
Sunnyvale, CA
2/21/2011
Great service. Professional and friendly stuff.
